What is a Letter of Intent? How to Write One for a Job [+ Examples]

Commonplace job functions have an ordinary set of practices. You flip in a resume and canopy letter, after which, if chosen, you progress by means of just a few rounds of interviews and get the job.

Nevertheless, not all potential job alternatives begin with an software. In reality, many start with initiative from a job seeker.

These job seekers will ship in a letter of intent somewhat than a cover letter. On this article, we’ll check out what a letter of intent is and spotlight some methods for writing the very best LOI you’ll be able to. We’ve even included a template that will help you get began. 

Right here’s what you’ll discover:

What’s a letter of intent?

A letter of intent is a much less widespread method of expressing curiosity in an organization. It targets causes you’re searching for alternatives with a particular group.

A letter of intent does embody parts of a conventional cowl letter, akin to related expertise and abilities, but it surely’s utilized in barely completely different contexts. LOIs emphasize alignment between a job seeker and a company.

Letter of Intent vs. Cowl Letter

There are just a few key variations between a cover letter and a letter of intent, together with:

• Context. Whereas a canopy letter responds to a particular job itemizing, a letter of intent targets a company extra typically. It might or could not have a particular job opening on the time that the LOI is distributed in.

• Focus. A canopy letter explains why an applicant is a good fit for a specific role. An LOI, then again, addresses a person’s compatibility with an general group or extra common position.

• Initiative. A canopy letter is a reactive doc responding to a job opening. A letter of intent, nevertheless, demonstrates extra initiative and gives data earlier than a company particularly requests it.

Letter of Intent vs. Letter of Curiosity

Letter of intent and letter of interest are sometimes used interchangeably. Whereas there are quite a lot of similarities between the 2 paperwork, there are additionally just a few key variations:

• Degree of intent. Letters of intent have a excessive degree of intentionality, whereas letters of curiosity are extra exploratory. A letter of intent proposes motion, whereas letters of curiosity are for data gathering.

• Dedication degree. A letter of intent is a high-commitment method of expressing curiosity in an organization, whereas a letter of curiosity is a decrease dedication. A person is extra prone to ship out a number of letters of curiosity. 

• Motion orientation. A letter of intent at all times ends with a name to motion, whereas a letter of curiosity is extra laid-back and will not request something particular from the recipient.

Whereas each letters display initiative and are carefully tailor-made to the corporate, they do serve barely completely different functions.

When to Use a Letter of Intent

There are many eventualities the place a job seeker could wish to ship out a letter of intent. Listed below are just a few examples: 

• You could have a excessive degree of curiosity in a particular firm, however there’s not an open position.

• You have an interest in networking with an organization in a dedicated method.

• You wish to attain out with a proper follow-up after a networking occasion.

• You’re making use of to a extremely aggressive discipline.

• You’re conscious of a possible job alternative with a company that hasn’t been revealed but.

Moreover, college students or job seekers switching industries could use letters of intent to use to instructional alternatives like internships and apprenticeships — although these can also be referred to as cover letters. 

Tips on how to Write a Letter of Intent

There are many methods to method writing a letter of intent for a job. Right here’s a step-by-step course of for writing your LOI draft:

1. Present your contact data. 

On the prime of your LOI, you’ll wish to present contact data so your recipient can contact you about future alternatives. This could embody your telephone quantity, electronic mail, and handle.

2. Use an acceptable greeting.

For some alternatives, a proper greeting is acceptable. In different conditions, a extra casual method could also be best. If doable, handle the particular recipient. 

3. Present an introduction. 

Within the intro paragraphs, you’ll wish to faucet into three specifics:

Be happy to differ the order of this data. Your LOI intro could also be formal or extra playful, relying on who you might be and the group you’re submitting to.

4. Dive into your strengths and firm alignment. 

An LOI is created to obviously convey why you’re a great match for the group. Within the physique paragraphs of your letter, you’ll wish to clarify:

• Your strengths.
• What you do.
• How these issues would match with the group.

5. Information the dialog into the longer term. 

All LOIs finish with a name to motion, which is without doubt one of the issues that differentiates it from a letter of curiosity or a canopy letter. Map out potential subsequent steps so it’s simple for the reader to take motion. It might embody:

6. Write a considerate conclusion.

Conclude your LOI by reiterating your curiosity within the firm. Make certain to thank the recipient for his or her time, too — there wasn’t a job opening request, so that they took day trip of their day to learn your letter.

In case you’re sending your LOI due to an inner referral, you should definitely reference them throughout the letter. 

Letter of Intent Samples

Let’s undergo just a few completely different samples of LOIs and spotlight what every does nicely. Refer to those samples as you draft your individual letter of intent for steerage on incorporating the weather of an LOI seamlessly.

Inner Connection

On this letter of intent, Jennifer leverages an inner connection. It is a nice solution to earn just a few further factors when explaining how you recognize concerning the enterprise. Past that, Jennifer’s experiences align nicely with the work that the wine bar does.

What I like: This letter of intent does a terrific job of personalization, weaving by means of the inner connection completely in just a few completely different spots. A referral is a strong assist to include into an LOI, and Jennifer did a terrific job dropping hints of her connection.

Making a Pitch

What I like: On this letter, Mark is making a pitch. He nonetheless covers the bases of a terrific LOI — discussing his strengths and alignment with the model. However as an alternative of simply calling for a gathering, he makes a pitch that’s particular to the group. This gives worth to the recipient and makes Mark appear like a powerful collaborator. 

Mark may gain advantage from HubSpot’s CMS Hub to handle his pitches. Lead era and content material creation are essential components of freelancing, and Mark wants to remain organized as a way to do it nicely. Study extra about HubSpot’s CMS Hub here.

Diving Into Alignment

What I like: Jordan is in shut alignment with the group’s values and does a terrific job of highlighting that in her letter of intent. She’s considerate and well-researched, communicates her alignment clearly, after which closes with a name to motion.

Letter of Intent Template

Letters of intent are normal paperwork, so that you don’t want to fret about reinventing the wheel every time you ship one. Use this template as a useful resource to make sure your letter contains all of the essential components.

[Your name]

[Your contact information]

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s contact information]

Expensive [Recipient or To Whom It May Concern],

My identify is [Your Name], [title/relevant information about yourself], and I heard about your group by means of [how you know the organization]. I’m reaching out to attach. I’d love to speak in case your crew plans on increasing.

I’ve abilities in [skills] that I consider can be a terrific match to your group. Your values of [company values] are in shut alignment with my strengths, and I consider I might make a terrific contribution.

I consider that my [abilities/skills/interests] would profit your organization, and I’d love to speak extra about any potential alternatives that come up with [name of organization]. If , please attain out by [phone/email] to schedule a time to satisfy with me.

Thanks for taking the time to learn my letter, and I hope to speak with you additional sooner or later.

Finest,

[Your name]

After all, you’ll wish to edit the template for tone and specifics associated to your self and the group you’re contacting. 

Discovering Success With a Nice Letter of Intent

Sending a letter of intent will be weak, but it surely’s a good way to make new connections and set your self up for employment success.

Refer to those methods, samples, and templates to ensure your LOI goes to be the simplest letter doable. Emphasize your alignment with the group, and also you’re positive to see success!